Switzerland plays a crucial role in international politics across many areas. We uncover the complexities of Swiss politics globally and provide fresh perspectives on international developments.
More
Quarrel between France and the US heats up International Geneva
This content was published on
It all began with a rather blunt message posted on X by the French mission to the UN.
In AI arms race, Swiss neutrality is double-edged sword
This content was published on
From Google and Anthropic to tech startups, AI developers are keen on Switzerland – despite concerns that military neutrality may curb access to lucrative foreign defence markets.
Google’s business dealings with Israel: Swiss servers raise sensitive questions
This content was published on
Google provides Israel with cloud services that are co-developed in Switzerland and may also be used for military purposes.
Staying in neutral? How Swiss and Irish debates compare
This content was published on
Defence shifts in Europe have put pressure on old policies in Ireland and Switzerland – and sparked heated resistance to any change.
This content was published on
The documentary “En Terrain Neutre” (Neutral Ground) puts the spotlight on Swiss neutrality in a comic road movie that comes as voters weigh enshrining the principle in the Constitution.
Why Switzerland stopped short of formally sanctioning Ukraine
This content was published on
Swiss neutrality is often misunderstood. An analysis shows how Switzerland’s response to the war against Ukraine divides the Swiss and puzzles outsiders.
War in outer space is coming: Why Switzerland should play a role
This content was published on
The risk of military escalation in space is growing. Switzerland should take a stance on this issue, writes Clémence Piorier.
As Middle East conflict rages, Swiss tradition of uniting adversaries is changing
This content was published on
Switzerland’s military neutrality has long enabled it to facilitate communication between adversaries and help settle their disputes. But this traditional role is being tested as international relations grow increasingly turbulent.
Swiss firms exported dual-use goods to Israel during Gaza conflict
This content was published on
Between 2024 and 2025, several dozen Swiss companies continued to sell goods with potential military use to Israel despite intensified UN criticism of its offensive in Gaza.
Swiss neutrality: government faces difficult decision over Mideast conflict
This content was published on
If the conflict involving Iran drags on, Switzerland may have to apply its law of neutrality. This could restrict military overflights and arms exports to the United States.
How water is driving a pushback against authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan
This content was published on
Once seen as Central Asia’s “island of democracy”, Kyrgyzstan has seen that reputation fade in recent years. Swiss-backed water projects are now helping to bolster local communities.
As Switzerland shakes up its foreign aid, will it stay committed to democracy?
This content was published on
With the government planning to boost short-term humanitarian aid at the expense of longer-term projects, this could be bad news for democracy promotion.
After the ceasefire, survival still defines life in Gaza
This content was published on
Nine months after the ceasefire in Gaza, peace remains elusive. Food queues, water trucks, and torn tents define everyday life as families struggle to meet basic needs.
Murder of Swiss aid worker remains unsolved as statute of limitations approaches
This content was published on
Swiss aid worker Walter Arnold wanted to expose alleged wrongdoing. Three decades later, his murder remains unsolved as the statute of limitations is about to expire.
How Swiss cities are stepping up as foreign aid budgets shrink
This content was published on
Local governments in Europe are defying state cuts to development assistance and helping cities in lower-income regions tackle problems like climate change.
Why Swiss China scholars can’t build the China expertise they need
This content was published on
Increasingly stringent controls on overseas research into China have made it difficult for many scholars including those in Switzerland, to conduct research on China.
Swiss public backs development aid even as politicians cut budgets
This content was published on
Most people support funding for development cooperation or would even like to see it increased, write Dina Pomeranz and Deborah Kistler.
War and drought push Lebanon agriculture to breaking point
This content was published on
War, economic collapse and declining rainfall are pushing Lebanon’s agricultural sector to the brink. Even water projects backed by Switzerland are struggling to cope.
This content was published on
Development banks are becoming increasingly important in light of cuts to foreign aid by Western countries such as the US and Switzerland. But what do they achieve for the Global South?
This content was published on
In Afghanistan, women and girls in particular are paying the price for failed policies. The Afghan Fund in Geneva should finally act to recapitalise the Central Bank, writes Norah Niland.
Why Switzerland joined Trump-friendly FIFA to fund mini pitches in Palestine
This content was published on
Switzerland and FIFA are building mini pitches for children in Palestine, despite continued violence and humanitarians struggling to meet people’s basic needs.
More sustainable global trade is possible and Switzerland has a role to play, says report
This content was published on
Switzerland, a major hub for commodities trading, could use its position to influence this sector and steer it towards greater sustainability.
This content was published on
Authorities have uncovered a scandal involving accounting irregularities worth $159 billion (CHF127 billion). A gold refinery in Ticino and a holding company in Lucerne are at the centre of the case.
This content was published on
As global trade rules fray, countries are scrambling to shore up export markets and diversify partners. For Switzerland, this could come with an added complication: the ballot box.
How a project in Peru supports sustainable cocoa – and serves Swiss interests
This content was published on
Switzerland supports farmers in Peru so they can produce in a more social and green way – and so chocolate producers have access to cocoa.
Global trade under strain: why rules still matter for nations like Switzerland
This content was published on
Former chief economist of the WTO, Ralph Ossa, explains why economies such as Switzerland need to defend and adapt the rules-based system.
Stadler Rail wins billion-franc night train order from Kazakhstan
This content was published on
Stadler Rail is building almost 600 carriages for night trains in Kazakhstan, which is increasingly attractive for Swiss companies.
US trade deal forces reckoning for Swiss pharma powerhouse
This content was published on
Swiss pharma made massive investment promises to the US that are fueling anxiety about the industry’s future in Switzerland.
To save football, it’s time to start over – beyond FIFA
This content was published on
Rather than try to reform FIFA, a better option would be to abolish it and replace it with a new world body, argues ethics expert Thomas Beschorner.
In AI arms race, Swiss neutrality is double-edged sword
This content was published on
From Google and Anthropic to tech startups, AI developers are keen on Switzerland – despite concerns that military neutrality may curb access to lucrative foreign defence markets.
A brief history of Swiss banking oversight and its scandals
This content was published on
Scandals and outside pressure have shaped Swiss banking regulations – yet powerful financial lobbies have often managed to water them down.
Swiss candidate for ECHR faces unprecedented smear campaign
This content was published on
Federal Court judge Julia Hänni almost withdrew her candidacy for the European Court of Human Rights after an anonymous campaign accusing her of plagiarism.
Why Swiss China scholars can’t build the China expertise they need
This content was published on
Increasingly stringent controls on overseas research into China have made it difficult for many scholars including those in Switzerland, to conduct research on China.
What kind of democracy should Switzerland promote?
This content was published on
Switzerland’s distinctive understanding of democracy should not guide its work promoting democracy abroad, argues political scientist Daniel Bochsler.
Can Switzerland latch on to EU plans for migrant deporation centres?
This content was published on
The Swiss government welcomed the EU’s decision to set up deportation centres in third countries. Joint pilot projects with like-minded countries are conceivable.
Africa’s heritage in Switzerland: what should the mandate of museums be?
This content was published on
Restitution can play a central role in relations with African partners, says Samuel Bachmann, curator of the African collections at the Bern Historical Museum.
Swiss mobilise quiet diplomacy to help return Ukraine’s stolen children
This content was published on
Formerly just an observer, Switzerland joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children earlier this year.
Switzerland is the depositary state for 75 international treaties – what does that mean?
This content was published on
Switzerland is best known as a depositary state for the Geneva Conventions. In this role, it has clearly defined responsibilities – but is also constantly asked to do more.
To save football, it’s time to start over – beyond FIFA
This content was published on
Rather than try to reform FIFA, a better option would be to abolish it and replace it with a new world body, argues ethics expert Thomas Beschorner.
In AI arms race, Swiss neutrality is double-edged sword
This content was published on
From Google and Anthropic to tech startups, AI developers are keen on Switzerland – despite concerns that military neutrality may curb access to lucrative foreign defence markets.
This content was published on
Switzerland has an extensive network of diplomatic missions abroad. With over 170 overseas offices, the possibilities extend far beyond architecture.
How water is driving a pushback against authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan
This content was published on
Once seen as Central Asia’s “island of democracy”, Kyrgyzstan has seen that reputation fade in recent years. Swiss-backed water projects are now helping to bolster local communities.
A brief history of Swiss banking oversight and its scandals
This content was published on
Scandals and outside pressure have shaped Swiss banking regulations – yet powerful financial lobbies have often managed to water them down.
Swiss candidate for ECHR faces unprecedented smear campaign
This content was published on
Federal Court judge Julia Hänni almost withdrew her candidacy for the European Court of Human Rights after an anonymous campaign accusing her of plagiarism.
As Switzerland shakes up its foreign aid, will it stay committed to democracy?
This content was published on
With the government planning to boost short-term humanitarian aid at the expense of longer-term projects, this could be bad news for democracy promotion.
After the ceasefire, survival still defines life in Gaza
This content was published on
Nine months after the ceasefire in Gaza, peace remains elusive. Food queues, water trucks, and torn tents define everyday life as families struggle to meet basic needs.
Murder of Swiss aid worker remains unsolved as statute of limitations approaches
This content was published on
Swiss aid worker Walter Arnold wanted to expose alleged wrongdoing. Three decades later, his murder remains unsolved as the statute of limitations is about to expire.
How Swiss cities are stepping up as foreign aid budgets shrink
This content was published on
Local governments in Europe are defying state cuts to development assistance and helping cities in lower-income regions tackle problems like climate change.
Google’s business dealings with Israel: Swiss servers raise sensitive questions
This content was published on
Google provides Israel with cloud services that are co-developed in Switzerland and may also be used for military purposes.
Why Swiss China scholars can’t build the China expertise they need
This content was published on
Increasingly stringent controls on overseas research into China have made it difficult for many scholars including those in Switzerland, to conduct research on China.
What kind of democracy should Switzerland promote?
This content was published on
Switzerland’s distinctive understanding of democracy should not guide its work promoting democracy abroad, argues political scientist Daniel Bochsler.
Swiss public backs development aid even as politicians cut budgets
This content was published on
Most people support funding for development cooperation or would even like to see it increased, write Dina Pomeranz and Deborah Kistler.
More sustainable global trade is possible and Switzerland has a role to play, says report
This content was published on
Switzerland, a major hub for commodities trading, could use its position to influence this sector and steer it towards greater sustainability.
Russia targets record numbers of exiles, with Swiss group latest to be proscribed
This content was published on
The numbers targeted by the Kremlin have soared every year since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and are already on track to achieve record levels this year.
This content was published on
Authorities have uncovered a scandal involving accounting irregularities worth $159 billion (CHF127 billion). A gold refinery in Ticino and a holding company in Lucerne are at the centre of the case.
Can Switzerland latch on to EU plans for migrant deporation centres?
This content was published on
The Swiss government welcomed the EU’s decision to set up deportation centres in third countries. Joint pilot projects with like-minded countries are conceivable.
Explainer: Are Swiss banks still home to dirty money, or have they cleaned house?
This content was published on
Owning a Swiss bank account still evokes thoughts in many countries of dodgy dealings and hidden wealth. Is the reputation deserved?
This content was published on
Two journalists cut ties with Big Tech to test digital independence. Discover the challenges and insights from their real-life experiment.
Smart cities and surveillance: why democracies must not lose control
This content was published on
The dominance of private companies in urban technology makes surveillance possible even in democratic systems like Switzerland, warns digital surveillance expert Jasmin Dall’Agnola.
Staying in neutral? How Swiss and Irish debates compare
This content was published on
Defence shifts in Europe have put pressure on old policies in Ireland and Switzerland – and sparked heated resistance to any change.
This content was published on
The documentary “En Terrain Neutre” (Neutral Ground) puts the spotlight on Swiss neutrality in a comic road movie that comes as voters weigh enshrining the principle in the Constitution.
Africa’s heritage in Switzerland: what should the mandate of museums be?
This content was published on
Restitution can play a central role in relations with African partners, says Samuel Bachmann, curator of the African collections at the Bern Historical Museum.
War and drought push Lebanon agriculture to breaking point
This content was published on
War, economic collapse and declining rainfall are pushing Lebanon’s agricultural sector to the brink. Even water projects backed by Switzerland are struggling to cope.
